Job 3:20-26

20 "Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to 1the bitter in soul,
21 who 2long for death, but it comes not, and dig for it more than for 3hidden treasures,
22 who rejoice exceedingly and are glad when they find the grave?
23 Why is light given to a man whose 4way is hidden, whom God has 5hedged in?
24 For my sighing comes 6instead of[a] my bread, and my 7groanings are poured out like water.
25 8For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me.
26 I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, but trouble comes."

Job 3:20-26 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 3

In this chapter we have an account of Job's cursing the day of his birth, and the night of his conception; Job 3:1-3; first the day, to which he wishes the most extreme darkness, Job 3:4,5; then the night, to which he wishes the same and that it might be destitute of all joy, and be cursed by others as well as by himself, Job 3:6-9; The reasons follow, because it did not prevent his coming into the world, and because he died not on it, Job 3:10-12; which would, as he judged, have been an happiness to him; and this he illustrates by the still and quiet state of the dead, the company they are with, and their freedom from all trouble, oppression, and bondage, Job 3:13-19; but however, since it was otherwise with him, he desires his life might not be prolonged, and expostulates about the continuance of it, Job 3:20-23; and this by reason of his present troubles, which were many and great, and came upon him as he feared they would, and which had made him uneasy in his prosperity, Job 3:24-26.

Cross References 8

  • 1. Proverbs 31:6
  • 2. Revelation 9:6
  • 3. Proverbs 2:4
  • 4. Isaiah 40:27
  • 5. [Job 1:10]; See Job 19:8
  • 6. [Psalms 42:3; Psalms 80:5; Psalms 102:9]
  • 7. Psalms 22:1; Psalms 38:8
  • 8. [Proverbs 10:24]

Footnotes 1

The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.